TRAVEL TITBITS
Farming fun
Kanchanaburi College of Agriculture and Technology has joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch “Amazing Green: A’Maze 2017”. According to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn, the aim is to promote a family-friendly destination that combines creative tourism with agricultural activities.
The event will convert the 9 rai cornfield at the Kanchanaburi College of Agriculture and Technology to be a maze where children will have a chance to develop their problem-solving skills, she said.
There will also be outdoor activities including a children’s playground; a Farm Pavilion, where visitors can learn from farmers and experts; and an exhibition zone displaying award-winning products designed to promote child-development. Visitors can join DIY workshops, be entertained with talk shows and shop at a local farming market. Amazing Green: A’Maze will run on Nov 25 and 26, from
9am-6pm, at Kanchanaburi College of Agriculture and Technology in Muang district.
Ticket fees are 450 baht for kids aged four to 10 years old, 500 baht for children aged over 11 years old and adults, while children under four years old are not required to pay an entrance fee. Visit www.amazinggreenthailand.com.
Grab expands in Thailand
Grab has launched Grab Car and Grab Taxi in Koh Samui, the city of Surat Thani, and Hat Yai in Songkhla province.
The ride-hailing service will be an alternative to local taxi services requiring that passengers negotiate the fare with drivers. Uber, on the other hand, is not yet available in the three destinations.
At present, the services of Grab are available in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Udon Thani.
Win a trip to Japan
The Japan National Tourism Organisation has launched the “Japan Enjoy Ride” online quiz offering round-trip tickets to Japan.
To join the quiz, participants need to login with their Facebook accounts. Those who give the right answers to all 20 questions will be eligible for the lucky-draw prizes.
Two winners will each receive two tickets from All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.
The quiz, however, is limited to Thais. The last day to join is Dec 15. Visit www.jntojapanenjoyride.com.
Airlines update
Thai Vietjet will launch its first flight from Bangkok to Dalat in Vietnam on Dec 18.
The new route will be operated by an Airbus A320 with four flights a week. The flights are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The flights will depart from Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.45am and arrive at Lien Khuong Airport in Vietnam at 12.15am. The return flight from Dalat will be at 12.55pm and the arrival time in Bangkok will be 2.40pm.
Flight time is one hour and 45 minutes. Visit www.vietjetair.com.
Lufthansa has upgraded its Bangkok-Frankfurt flights with Airbus A380 aircraft.
The aim is to increase seat capacity during its winter schedule, which will last until March of next year.
The aircraft features 509 seats, including eight seats for First Class,
78 for Business Class, 52 for Premium Economy and 371 for Economy.
The capacity to handle passengers will increase 35% when compared to the previous Boeing 747-400 aircraft.
With the reintroduction of Lufthansa First Class, the airline offers limousine-transfer service for passengers who buy a round-trip first class ticket from their home in Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi airport with BMW Series 7. Visit www.lufthansa.com.
Hotels update
Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin has been soft-launched this month.
Owned by Proud Real Estate, the hotel is the company’s second phase after the three-year operation of Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle.
The 27-storey hotel is located next to the water park. It features 300 rooms and suites, restaurants, swimming pool on the 24th floor with 180-degree views, spa, fitness centre and six meeting rooms, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 400.
One highlight is the rooftop bar with glass floor, where guests can see right through to ground level, according to the hotel. Visit www.ihg.com.
Avani Hua Hin Resort & Spa has been opened.
Formerly known as Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa, the property offers 196 rooms and villas. Room sizes range from a 33m² Deluxe room to a 268² pool villa with two bedrooms.
Other facilities are restaurants, bar, grab-and-go pantry, lounge, spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and 900m² ballroom that can accommodate up to 700. The ballroom can also be reconfigured to offer up to five meeting rooms or event venues. Visit www.minorhotels.com.